Engine for conversion of thermal energy to kinetic energy

ABSTRACT

An engine for converting thermal energy to kinetic energy is provided. The engine includes a first zone and a second zone and a movable loop, which extends between the first zone and the second zone. Containers are attached to the loop such that the loop and the containers are movable conjointly between the first zone and the second zone. Each of the containers is adapted to receive a varying amount of a working fluid therein and is adapted to be in a plurality of states, including a first state, in which it contains a first amount of the working fluid, and a second state, in which it contains a second amount of the working fluid, the first amount being smaller than the second amount. Each of the containers is caused to be in its first state as it moves through the first zone and in its second state as it moves through the second zone so as to impart motion to the loop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/841,137 filed Mar. 15, 2013, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/684,206 filed Aug. 17,2012 and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/909,114 filed Oct. 21, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,443), whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/253,656 filed Oct. 21, 2009 and which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/533,031 filed Jul. 31, 2009 (nowabandoned), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/085,978 filed Aug. 4, 2008. The disclosures ofeach of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an engine for converting thermal energyto kinetic energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conversion of thermal energy to kinetic energy has long beenutilized in the production of work. Many of the conversions usenon-renewable thermal energy sources such as oil, coal, and/or naturalgas which pollute the environment with undesirable by-products ofcombustion (e.g., carbon dioxide). It is therefore desirable to userenewal thermal energy sources such as geothermal to produce kineticenergy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An engine for converting thermal energy to kinetic energy is provided.The engine includes a first zone and a second zone and a movable loop,which extends between the first zone and the second zone. Containers areattached to the loop such that the loop and the containers are movableconjointly between the first zone and the second zone. Each of thecontainers is adapted to receive a varying amount of a working fluidtherein and is adapted to be in a plurality of states, including a firststate, in which it contains a first amount of the working fluid, and asecond state, in which it contains a second amount of the working fluid,the first amount being smaller than the second amount. Each of thecontainers is caused to be in its first state as it moves through thefirst zone and in its second state as it moves through the second zoneso as to impart motion to the loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference ismade to the following detailed description of exemplary embodimentsconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of an engine constructedin accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, theengine having a plurality of fluid-tight containers depicted insectional views for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the gas tightcontainers shown in FIG. 1, the container being shown in its expandedposition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the containersshown in FIG. 1, the container being shown in its contracted position;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic side view of an engineconstructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic side view of an engineconstructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of an engine constructedin accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a moving container mechanism ofthe engine shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged cross-sectional views of one of thecontainers shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the container being shown in itscontracted and expanded positions, respectively;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged cross-sectional views of one of thecontainers of an engine constructed in accordance with a fifthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of an engineconstructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an engine constructed inaccordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an engine 10 constructed in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention for converting thermalenergy into kinetic energy. The engine 10 has a housing 12, which has anupper area 14 and a lower area 16. Upper and lower shafts 18, 20 arerotatably supported by the housing 12 in the upper and lower areas 14,16, respectively, and include upper and lower sprockets 22, 24,respectively, which are fixedly mounted thereon and each of which isequipped with teeth 26. A loop of chain 28 (e.g., a loop ofroller-chain, belt, cable, etc.) having a plurality of links 30 isprovided so as to roll over the upper and lower sprockets 22, 24. Moreparticularly, the links 30 of the chain 28 are adapted to mesh with theteeth 26 of the upper and lower sprockets 22, 24 so that longitudinalmovement in the chain 28 produces rotational movement in the sprockets22, 24 and hence the upper and lower shafts 18, 20, respectively.

Liquid 32 (e.g., water or any other suitable fluid) is contained in thehousing 12 and has a hot liquid zone 34 and a cool liquid zone 36. Athermal energy source 38 and a thermal energy sink 40 are connected tothe hot and cold liquid zones 34, 36, respectively, and are retained byliquid-tight seals 42, 44, respectively. The thermal energy source 38includes pipes or tubes 46 a, 46 b and a heat exchanger 46 c, which isconnected to the pipes 46 a, 46 b, for providing thermal energy to thehot liquid zone 34. More particularly, hot liquid or gas (not shown),which is heated by a renewable energy source 106 (e.g., solar,geothermal, ocean-thermal, etc.), flows through the pipe 46 a into thehot liquid zone 34 (as indicated by arrow H1 in FIG. 1). The hot liquidor gas then flows through the heat exchanger 46 c, wherein thermalenergy is transferred to the hot liquid zone 34, and out of the hotliquid zone 34 through the pipe 46 b (as indicated by arrow H2 in FIG.1). Similarly, the thermal energy sink 40 includes pipes or tubes 48 a,48 b and a heat exchanger 48 c, which is connected to the pipes 48 a, 48b, for removing thermal energy from the cold liquid zone 36. Moreparticularly, cold liquid or gas (not shown), which is cooled by arenewable energy sink 108 (e.g., geothermal, ocean-thermal, etc.), flowsthrough the tubing 48 a into the cold liquid zone 36 (as indicated byarrow C1 in FIG. 1). The cold liquid or gas then flows through the heatexchanger 48 c, wherein thermal energy is removed from the cold liquidzone 36, and out of the cold liquid zone 36 through the pipe 48 b (asindicated by arrow C2 in FIG. 1). The heat exchanger 46 c and the heatexchanger 48 c may be provided with conventional heat transfermechanisms (e.g., fins) that facilitate the transfer of heat into andout of the hot and cold liquid zones 34, 36, respectively. Moreover, topromote heat exchange efficiently, the energy source 38 is positionedproximate the lower area 16 of the housing 12, while the energy sink 40is positioned proximate the upper area 14 of the housing 12 (e.g.,proximate the upper sprocket 22).

A baffle 50 is positioned in the housing 12 (e.g., within the confinesof an inner loop formed by the chain 28) to abate the direct intermixingof thermal energy between the hot and cool liquid zones 34, 36. A waterpump 52 is also provided to create a circulating water current 54 thatmay be located proximate the lower area 16 of the housing 12 (e.g.,below the baffle 50 and outside the confines of the chain 28). Thecirculating water current 54 forms a water curtain so as to furtherinhibit the intermixing of thermal energy between the hot liquid zone 34and the cold liquid zone 36 in the lower area 16.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, gas or fluid-tight containers 56, 58, 60,62 are attached to the chain 28 by brackets 64 and are immersed in theliquid 32. The containers 56, 58, 60, 62 are adapted to movesequentially through the hot and cold zones 34, 36 so as to cause thechain 28 and the sprockets 22, 24 to rotate. In order to cause suchrotation, each of the containers 56, 58, 60, 62 is provided with aworking fluid 66 which may be air, carbon dioxide, refrigerant or anyother fluid know in the art. The working fluid 66 is adapted to expandand contract in order to cause the volume of the containers 56, 58, 60,62 to increase or decrease. The construction and operation of thecontainers 56, 58, 60, 62 will be discussed below in greater detail.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 58 includes an inner cylinder76, which has an open end 78 and a closed end 80, and inner and outersurfaces 82, 84. The container 58 also includes an outer cylinder 88having an open end 90 and a closed end 92, as well as inner and outersurfaces 94, 96. The outer cylinder 88 is slidably attached to the innercylinder 76 such that the outer cylinder 88 is moveable relative to theinner cylinder 76 between a collapsed position, in which the innercylinder 76 is positioned within the outer cylinder 88 (see FIG. 3), andan expanded position, in which the inner cylinder 76 extends outwardlyfrom the outer cylinder 88 (see FIG. 2). A sealing ring 86 is positionedbetween the outer surface 84 of the inner cylinder 76 and the innersurface 94 of the outer cylinder 88 proximate the open end 78 so as tomake the container 58 fluid tight. At least one retaining ring 98 isattached to the outer cylinder 88 proximate the open end 90 so as toprevent the outer cylinder 88 from sliding off the inner cylinder 76. Acoil spring 100 or other suitable elastomeric urging element is alsoattached to the closed end 80 of the inner cylinder 76 and the closedend 92 of the outer cylinder 88 so as to urge the outer cylinder 88 tomove towards its collapsed position. A valve 102 is provided for fillingthe container 58 with the working fluid 66. Fins 104 are disposed on theouter surfaces 84, 96 of the inner and outer cylinders 76 and 88,respectively, so as to facilitate the transfer of heat into and out ofthe working fluid 66 contained therewithin. The inner and outercylinders 76 and 88 may be fabricated from any suitable corrosionresistant, thermally conductive material (e.g., plastic or metal).

Each of the containers 56, 60, 62 has a construction and operation whichare identical to those of the container 58 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.In such circumstances, the specific construction of the containers 56,60, 62 will not be discussed herein.

The operation of the engine 10 will now be discussed with reference toFIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the containers 56, 58 are located in the hot liquidzone 34, while the containers 60, 62 are located in the cold liquid zone36. The working fluid 66 in each of the containers 56, 58 absorbsthermal energy from the hot liquid zone 34 and expands, causing theouter cylinders 88 to move from their contracted positions (see FIG. 3)to their expanded positions (see FIG. 2) and thereby causing the volumeof the containers 56, 58 to increase (i.e., the containers 56, 48 expandto an expanded volume). Since the working fluid 66 in the containers 56,58 has an increased volume but the same mass, it provides increasedbuoyant forces 68, 70 acting on the containers 56, 58, respectively. Incontrast, the working fluid 66 in each of the containers 60, 62 releasesits thermal energy to the cold liquid zone 36 and contract, causing theouter cylinders 88 to move from their expanded positions (see, e.g.,FIG. 2) to their contracted positions (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and therebycausing the volume of the containers 60, 62 to decrease (i.e., thecontainers 60, 62 contract to a decreased volume). Since the workingfluid 66 in the containers 60, 62 has a decreased volume but the samemass, it provides decreased buoyant forces 72, 74 acting on thecontainers 60, 62, respectively. As a result, the sum of the buoyantforces 68, 70 acting on the containers 56, 58 is greater than the sum ofthe buoyant forces 72, 74 acting in the containers 60, 62, therebyresulting in a resultant force F which causes the chain 28 to rotate ina clockwise direction (as indicated by arrow R in FIG. 1). As a resultof the continuous flow of thermal energy into and out of the hot andcold liquid zones 34, 36, respectively, the containers 56, 58, 60, 62continuously move between the hot and cold liquid zones 34, 36, therebyimparting continuous motion to the chain 28. The movement of the chain28 imparts rotational kinetic energy to the upper and lower sprockets22, 24 and hence the shafts 18, 20. A suitable mechanism may be employedto store and/or utilize the rotational kinetic energy of the shafts 18,20. For example, an electric generator G (shown in phantom in FIG. 1)may be driven by the shaft 18 via a belt B to convert the kinetic energyto electric energy.

The present invention provides a number of benefits and advantages. Forinstance, the conversion of renewable thermal energy to kinetic energyis performed in an environmentally friendly and cost effective manner.The production of kinetic energy is provided in a mechanically simplemanner (i.e., the force F produces motion in the chain 28 which impartsrotational kinetic energy to the sprockets 22, 24 and hence the shafts18, 20).

It should be noted that the present invention can have numerousmodifications and variations. For instance, the containers 56, 58, 60,and 62 may be fabricated from expandable and contractible componentsthat are formed in different sizes and shapes, such as a balloon-shapedbladder fabricated from a single piece of elastomeric material.Individual engines may be fabricated with a combination of differentlysized and shaped containers. The retaining ring 98 may also be sized andshaped to function as a back-up sealing ring (i.e., it may function as asecondary seal to contain the working fluid 66 in the containers 56, 58,60, 62, should the sealing ring 86 leak). The surface of the liquid 32may be set at an elevation (not shown) in the housing 12 such that theupper sprocket 22 is submerged in the liquid 32 and the containers 56,58, 60, 62 are submerged in the liquid through their movement betweenthe hot and cold liquid zones 34, 36.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIGS. 6-8A, FIGS. 9A-9B, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustratesecond through eight, respectively, embodiments of the presentinvention. The elements illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIGS. 6-8A, FIGS.9A-9B, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, which correspond, either identically orsubstantially, to the elements described above with reference to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, have been designated by correspondingreference numerals increased by one thousand through seven thousand,respectively. New elements are designated by odd reference numerals inthe one thousands through seven thousands, respectively. It should benoted that the use of corresponding reference numbers or odd numbers inconjunction with these embodiments is intended for illustration purposesonly and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, an engine 1010 is illustrated having gas orliquid-tight containers 1007 and 1009 that are attached to a chain 1028by brackets 1064. It is noted that FIG. 4 illustrates only a portion ofthe engine 1010, which may be provided with additional containers (notshown) that are identical, in construction and operation, to thecontainers 1007 and 1009. It is noted that the engine 1010 is identicalto the engine 10 in all respects, except that the containers 56, 58, 60,62 are provided with a different construction. The construction of thecontainers 1007, 1009 is discussed below.

Each of the containers 1007 and 1009 has a pair of rigid caps 1011, 1013that are attached to a bellows 1015 by seals 1017. The bellows 1015 arefabricated out of flexible material such as rubber. The bellows 1015facilitate the movement of the containers 1007, 1009 from a contractedposition (see the container 1009 in FIG. 4) to an expanded position (seethe container 1007 in FIG. 4) and visa versa. Each of the containers1007, 1009 also has a valve 1019 through which gas or liquid isinitially supplied to the containers 1007, 1009.

Now referring to FIG. 5, an engine 2010 is equipped with a plurality ofgas or liquid-filled containers 2011, 2013, which are attached to achain 2028 via brackets 2015 a, 2015 b, respectively. It is noted thatFIG. 5 illustrates only a portion of the engine 2010, which may beprovided with additional containers (not shown) that are identical, inconstruction and operation, to the containers 2011, 2013. It is alsonoted that the engine 2010 has a construction and operation that arebasically identical to those of the engine 10 shown in FIG. 1 and/or theengine 1010 shown in FIG. 4, except as discussed below.

With reference to FIG. 5, the container 2011 has end portions or caps2017, 2019 and a bellows portion 2021, which adjoins the end portions2017, 2019 to each other in a fluid-tight manner. The end portions 2017,2019 and the bellows portion 2021 are constructed and assembled in amanner similar to the manner in which the rigid caps 1011, 1013 andbellows 1015 shown in FIG. 4 are constructed. The bellows portion 2021facilitates the movement of the container 2011 from an expanded position(see the container 2011 in FIG. 5) to a compressed position (see, forinstance, the container 2013 in FIG. 5) and visa versa. The end portion2017 is equipped with a valve 2041 through which a gas or liquid isinitially supplied to the container 2011.

The bracket 2015 a has a pair of braces 2023, 2025, between which thecontainer 2011 is interposed. Support bars 2027, 2029, which are affixedto the end portions 2017, 2019, respectively, of the container 2011, areslidably supported by the braces 2023, 2025, respectively, such thatthey are longitudinally movable relative to the braces 2023, 2025,respectively. More particularly, the support bars 2027, 2029 movablysupport the container 2011 on the bracket 2015 a such that the container2011 can expand and contract during the operation of the engine 2010.

Temperature sensitive springs 2031, 2033 are disposed on the supportbars 2027, 2029, respectively. More particularly, the spring 2031 ispositioned between, and attached to, the brace 2023 and the end portion2017 of the container 2011, while the spring 2033 is positioned between,and attached to, the brace 2025 and the end portion 2019 of thecontainer 2011. Each of the springs 2031, 2033, which can be made from aconventional shape memory alloy, utilizes heating and cooling to movebetween a high-temperature shape and a low temperature shape. Moreparticularly, each of the springs 2031, 2033 expands and contracts basedon the temperature of the surrounding liquid or fluid to which they areexposed so as to cause the container 2011 to move between its expandedand compressed positions.

The container 2013 has a construction and operation that are basicallyidentical to those of the container 2011. In such circumstances, thespecific construction of the container 2013 will not be discussedherein.

A fluid hose 2035 is connected to the containers 2011, 2013 via exhausthoses 2037 a, 2037 b, respectively. The fluid hose 2035 is affixed tothe chain 2028 via a plurality of hose brackets 2039 so that the fluidhose 2035 is movable conjointly with the chain 2028 and, hence, thecontainers 2011, 2013. The fluid hose 2035, which form a loop around thechain 2028, functions as a conduit through which gas or liquid may flowfrom the container 2011 to the container 2013 and vice versa, thusfacilitating the expansion and contraction of the containers 2011, 2013in a manner further discussed below. The fluid hose 2035, the exhausthoses 2037 a, 2037 b, and the containers 2011, 2013 form a closed (i.e.,fluid-tight) system such that the amount of fluid contained in thesystem remains substantially constant (i.e., the fluid does not escapefrom the system).

In operation, the engine 2010 is immersed in a liquid having a coldliquid zone 2043, which is connected to a thermal energy sink (notshown), and a hot liquid zone 2045, which is connected to a thermalenergy source (not shown). The containers 2011, 2013 and the fluid hose2035 are filled with a working fluid 2066 (e.g., a gas) via the valve2041. The working fluid 2066 has a lower density than that of the liquidsurrounding the containers 2011, 2013.

When the container 2011 is in the cold liquid zone 2043, the springs2031, 2033 contract to their respective low-temperature shapes. Becausethe low-temperature shape of each of the springs 2031, 2033 has a lengthsmaller than that of its high-temperature shape, the springs 2031, 2033pull the end portions 2017, 2019, respectively, of the container 2011away from one another (i.e., toward the braces 2023, 2025,respectively), thereby causing the container 2011 to expand to itsexpanded position (see the container 2011 in FIG. 5). As discussedabove, the container 2011 is in fluid communication with the fluid hose2035, which in turn is in fluid communication with the container 2013.In such circumstances, as the container 2011 expands, working fluid 2066flows into the container 2011 from the fluid hose 2035, the container2013 and/or other containers of the engine 2010, thereby increasing thevolume or amount of the working fluid 2066 present in the container2011. Due to its increased volume/amount, the working fluid 2066 in thecontainer 2011 provides an increased buoyant force 2070 acting on thecontainer 2011.

In contrast, when the container 2013 is in the hot liquid zone 2045, itstemperature sensitive springs expand to their respectivehigh-temperature shapes (see FIG. 5), which have a length greater thantheir low-temperature shapes. As a result, the springs push end portions(i.e., end caps) of the container 2013 towards one another, therebycausing the container 2013 to contract to its compressed position (seethe container 2013 in FIG. 5). Because the container 2013 is in fluidcommunication with the fluid hose 2035, at least some working fluid 2066flow out from the container 2013 into the fluid hose 2035, the container2011 and/or other containers of the engine 2010, thereby decreasing thevolume or amount of the working fluid 2066 in the container 2013. Due toits decreased volume/amount, the working fluid 2066 remaining in thecontainer 2013 provides a decreased buoyant force 2072 acting on thecontainer 2013. The decreased buoyant force 2072 acting on the container2013 is smaller than the buoyant force 2070 acting on the container2011. As a result, a resultant force F acts on the chain 2028 to movesame in a clockwise direction. Due to the continuous flow of thermalenergy into and out of the hot and cold liquid zones 2045, 2043,respectively, the containers 2011, 2013 continuously move between thecold and hot liquid zones 2043, 2045, thereby imparting continuousmotion to the chain 2028.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an engine 3010 constructed in accordance with afourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention for convertingthermal energy to kinetic energy. The engine 3010 has a construction andoperation that are similar to those of the embodiments discussed above(especially the embodiment shown in FIG. 5), unless otherwise indicated.The engine 3010 includes a housing 3012, which contains a body of air3032 (or other suitable fluid or gas) therein, includes a top hot zone3045, a middle zone 3051 and a bottom cool zone 3043. Insulation glasspanels 3053 are installed at the top and upper sides of the housing 3012for purposes to be discussed hereinbelow. Upper and lower shafts 3018,3020 are rotatably supported by the housing 3012 in the top hot zone3045 and the bottom cool zone 3043, respectively, and include uppersprockets 3022 and lower sprockets 3024, respectively, which are fixedlymounted thereon and each of which is equipped with teeth 3026. Loops ofchain 3055, 3057 (e.g., loops of roller-chain, belt, cable, etc.) havinga plurality of links 3030 are provided so as to roll over acorresponding pair of the upper and lower sprockets 3022, 3024. Moreparticularly, the links 3030 of each of the chains 3055, 3057 areadapted to mesh with the teeth 3026 of a corresponding pair of the upperand lower sprockets 3022, 3024 so that longitudinal movement of thechains 3055, 3057 produces rotational movement of the sprockets 3022,3024 and hence the upper and lower shafts 3018, 3020.

Renewable energy sources are used to provide hot thermal energy to thetop hot zone 3045 of the engine 3010. For instance, solar energy(indicated by arrows S in FIG. 6) transfers through the illustrationglass panels 3053 (which are translucent or transparent) to heat the air3032 contained in the housing 3012. In this regard, the glass panels3053 are adapted to retain the heat in the top hot zone 3045. In oneembodiment, the glass panels 3053 can be replaced with other suitablepanels (such metal panels, etc.) or mechanisms that are able to providesolar energy or other thermal renewable energy to the top hot zone 3045.

As shown in FIG. 6, a solar storage tank 3059 is provided to storeexcess thermal energy so that such energy may be supplied to the top hotzone 3045 as needed. A heat pump 3061 is also provided to withdrawunneeded thermal energy from the middle zone 3051. The heat pump 3061may also be configured to gather external thermal energy of any kind(e.g., solar, geothermal, ocean-thermal, etc.). Any excess hot or coldthermal energy drawn by the heat pump 3061 may be stored in hot or coldstorage tanks 3063, 3065, respectively, and can be selectively suppliedto the top hot zone 3045 or the bottom cool zone 3043, respectively, asneeded.

The bottom cool zone 3043 may be disposed underground to provideinsulation and protection from the input of the solar energy S to thebottom cool zone 3043. A cold thermal energy source 3067 is alsoprovided proximate the bottom of the housing 3012 to supply cold thermalenergy to the bottom cool zone 3043. The cold thermal energy source 3067may utilize cold water, geothermal energy, or any other suitable thermalenergy input. Due to convection and the hot and cold thermal energyinputs, a temperature gradient is formed in the housing 3012 where thetop hot zone 3045 has a temperature that is higher than that of thebottom cool zone 3043.

Upper L-shaped partitions 3069 are provided between the top hot zone3045 and the middle zone 3051 to inhibit the intermixing of hot and coolfluid between the top hot zone 3045 and the bottom cool zone 3043. Oneof the upper L-shaped partition 3069 is attached to one side of thehousing 3012, while the other upper L-shaped partition 3069 is attachedto an opposite side of the housing 3012. An upper curtain fan 3071 ismounted to one of the upper L-shaped partitions 3069 to create an aircurtain for the purpose of further inhibiting the transfer of thermalenergy between the top hot zone 3045 and the middle zone 3051.

Similarly, lower L-shaped partitions 3073 are provided between thebottom cool zone 3043 and the middle zone 3051 to inhibit theintermixing of hot and cool fluid between the top hot zone 3045 and thebottom cool zone 3043. One of the lower L-shaped partitions 3073 isattached to one side of the housing 3012, while the other lower L-shapedpartition 3073 is attached to an opposite side of the housing 3012. Alower curtain fan 3075 is positioned on one of the lower L-shapedpartitions 3073 to create an air curtain for the purpose of furtherinhibiting the transfer of thermal energy between the bottom cool zone3043 and the middle zone 3051.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 areattached to the chains 3055, 3057 by brackets 3081, 3083 (see also FIG.8A). The containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 are adapted to movesequentially through the hot, middle, and cold zones 3045, 3051, 3043 soas to cause the chains 3055, 3057 and the sprockets 3022, 3024 torotate. In order to cause such rotation, each of the containers 3011,3013, 3077, 3079 is adapted to be filled with a substantiallyincompressible working fluid 3085 (i.e., a fluid with a volume that isnot significantly affected by changes in pressure, such as water orother suitable liquids). The working fluid 3085 may contain antifreeze,salt, or any other substance known in the art to inhibit the freezing ofthe fluid 3085. A fluid hose 3035 is connected to each of the containers3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 by a communication hose 3037 and functions as aconduit through which the working fluid 3085 may flow between thecontainers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079, thus allowing the expansion andcontraction of the containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 in a manner furtherdiscussed below. The fluid hose 3035 is restrained from lateral movementby wheels 3087, 3089 or other guiding protrusions mounted on the shafts3018, 3020, respectively, and moves conjointly with the containers 3011,3013, 3077, 3079 and the chains 3055, 3057. A valve 3091 (shown only inFIGS. 8A and 8B) is provided on each of the communication hoses 3037 soas to control the flow of the working fluid 3085 between the fluid hose3035 and each of the containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079. The valves 3091can be opened or closed through touch, weight, actuator, magnetic field,or any other suitable method known in the art as the containers 3011,3013, 3077, 3079 move through the top hot zone 3045 and the bottom coolzone 3043. The fluid hose 3035 and the containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079form a closed (i.e., fluid-tight) system, which allows the working fluid3085 to travel between the fluid hose 3035 and the containers 3011,3013, 3077, 3079 without the working fluid 3085 escaping the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the container 3011 includes a cylinder3093 having opposed end plates 3095, 3097. The end plate 3095 isattached to the chain 3055 via the bracket 3081, and is connected to thefluid hose 3035 in a fluid-tight manner such that the flow of theworking fluid 3085 into and out of the cylinder 3093 is controlledwithout the working fluid 3085 escaping the closed fluid system. Aspring hold frame 3099 with a closed end 3101 and an open end 3103 isconnected at the closed end 3101 to the chain 3057 via the bracket 3083,and at the open end 3103 to the cylinder 3093. Movably mounted insidethe cylinder 3093 is a cylinder piston 3105, which includes opposedpiston members 3107, 3109 that are connected by a stem member 3111 forpurposes to be discussed below.

The container 3011 also includes shape memory springs 3113 or othersuitable elastomeric, temperature-sensitive urging elements (see FIGS.8A and 8B), which utilize heating and cooling to move between ahigh-temperature shape and a low-temperature shape. More particularly,each of the shape memory springs 3113 is adapted to assume an expandedconfiguration (see FIG. 8A) when it is in a cool or cold temperaturecondition and a contracted configuration (see FIG. 8B) when it is inwarm or hot temperature conditions. Each of the shape memory springs3113 is fixedly attached to the closed end 3101 of the spring hold frame3099 and to the piston member 3109 such that the piston 3105 is movablebetween an “up” position and a “down” position in response to the changeof the configurations of the shape memory springs 3113. That is, whenthe shape memory springs 3113 are in their expanded configurations, thepiston 3105 moves to an “up” position (see FIG. 8A) to cause the workingfluid 3085 to flow out of the cylinder 3093 into the fluid hose 3035 andone or more of the other containers 3013, 3077, 3079. Because thecontainer 3011 has a reduced amount of the working fluid 3085, itsoverall weight is reduced (i.e., light) when the piston 3105 is in its“up” position. In contrast, when the shape memory springs 3113 are intheir contracted configurations, the piston 3105 moves to a “down”position (see FIG. 8B) to cause the working fluid 3085 to flow into thecylinder 3093 from the fluid hose 3035 and one or more of the othercontainers 3013, 3077, 3079. Because the container 3011 has an increasedamount of the working fluid 3085, its overall weight is increased (i.e.,heavy) when the piston 3105 is in its “down” position.

In order to increase the sensitivity of the shape memory springs 3113 tothe temperature of the air surrounding the container 3011, the cylinder3093 and spring hold frame 3099 may be constructed of any suitablethermally conductive material (e.g., plastic or metal). Moreover, thespring hold frame 3099 may be equipped with openings or other mechanismsto readily transmit the temperature of the surrounding air to the shapememory springs 3113.

In operation, as the container 3011 moves into the top hot zone 3045,its associated valve 3091 is opened so as to allow the working fluid3085 to flow into and out of the piston cylinder 3093. As the shapememory springs 3113 begin to absorb thermal energy from the top hot zone3045, they begin to move to their contracted configuration (see FIG.8B), causing the cylinder piston 3111 to move from the “up” position(see FIG. 8A) to the “down” position (see FIG. 8B). Since the fluid hose3035 and the containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 form a closed fluidsystem, this movement of the cylinder piston 3105 creates a suctionforce to cause the working fluid 3085 to be withdrawn into the container3011. Due to the inflow of the working fluid 3085, the container 3011has a much heavier weight compared to the weight it had when it enteredthe top hot zone 3045. Once the container 3011 reaches the expandedstate depicted in FIG. 8B and/or as it moves out of the top hot zone3045, the valve 3091 is actuated so as to be closed such that theworking fluid 3085 is inhibited from flowing out of the container 3011.

Upon entry into the bottom cool zone 3043, the valve 3091 of thecontainer 3011 is actuated to be opened, allowing the working fluid 3085to flow into or out of the container 3011. As the shape memory springs3113 begin to lose thermal energy to the surrounding cool zone 3043,they assume their expanded configurations, causing the piston 3105 tomove from its “down” position (see FIG. 8B) to its “up” position (seeFIG. 8A). As a result, the working fluid 3085 present in the cylinder3093 is discharged therefrom into the fluid hose 3035 and one or more ofthe containers 3013, 3077, 3079. Suction force created by one or more ofthe containers 3013, 3077, 3079 similar to the suction force discussedabove in conjunction with the container 3011 in the preceding paragraphmay also cause the working fluid 3085 in the piston 3093 to bedischarged from the container 3011. Given the reduced amount of theworking fluid 3085 in the container 3011, the container 3011 has a muchlighter weight compared to the weight it had as it left the top hot zone3035. Once the container 3011 reaches the contracted state depicted inFIG. 8A and/or as it moves out of the bottom cool zone 3043, the valve3091 is actuated so as to be closed such that the working fluid 3085 isinhibited from flowing out of the container 3011.

Each of the other containers 3013, 3077, 3079 has a construction andoperation which are identical to those of the container 3011 illustratedin FIGS. 8A and 8B. In such circumstances, the specific construction ofthe containers 3013, 3077, 3079 will not be discussed herein. The engine3010 may also be equipped with additional containers.

Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, the containers 3011, 3079 have passedthrough the middle zone 3051 and the bottom cold zone 3042,respectively, and are therefore in a state similar to the containerstate shown in FIG. 8A. In contrast, the containers 3013, 3077 havepassed through the top hot zone 3045 and the middle zone 3051,respectively, and are therefore in a state that is similar to thecontainer state illustrated in FIG. 8B. As a result, the weight of eachof the containers positioned on the left side of the chains 3055, 3057in FIG. 6 (i.e., the containers 3011, 3079) is less than that of each ofthe containers positioned on the right side of the chains 3055, 3057 inFIG. 6 (i.e., the containers 3013, 3077). As a result, the sum ofgravitational forces 3115, 3117 acting on the containers 3013, 3077,respectively, is greater than the sum of gravitational forces 3119, 3201acting on the containers 3011, 3079, respectively, thereby creating aresultant force F which causes the chains 3055, 3057 to rotate in aclockwise direction (as indicated by arrow R in FIGS. 6 and 7). As aresult of the continuous flow of thermal energy into and out of the tophot and bottom cool zones 3045, 3043, respectively, the containers 3011,3013, 3077, 3079 continuously move between the top hot zone 3045 and thebottom cool zone 3043, thereby imparting continuous motion to the chains3055, 3057. The movement of the chains 3055, 3057 imparts rotationalkinetic energy to the sprockets 3022, 3024 and hence the shafts 3018,3020. A suitable mechanism may be employed to store and/or utilize therotational kinetic energy of the shafts 3018, 3020. For example, anelectric generator G (shown in phantom in FIG. 7) may be driven by theshaft 3020 via a belt B to convert the kinetic energy to electricenergy.

In one embodiment, the valves 3091 of the containers 3011, 3013, 3077,3079 may be eliminated. In another embodiment, the valves 3091 of atleast two of the containers 3011, 3013, 3077, 3079 are in their openstate simultaneously. In yet another embodiment, one or both of theshafts 3018, 3020 may be connected to a drive mechanism (e.g., a manualcrank, an electric motor, etc.) such that it can be driven to impartinitial motion to the containers 3011, 3013, 3077 and 3079 when they arestationary.

In another embodiment of the invention, the engine 3010 may be equippedwith containers similar to a container 4011 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). Thecontainer 4011 has a construction and operation similar to those of thecontainer 3011 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, unless otherwise indicatedbelow. The container 4011 includes a cylinder frame 4123 connected atits opposing ends 4125, 4127 to chains 4055, 4057 by brackets 4081,4083. The cylinder frame 4123 includes cylinder frame hooks 4129 fixedlymounted to sides thereof adjacent the end 4125. The container 4011 alsocontains a bellows-type fluid cylinder 4131 connected to a fluid hose4035. The fluid cylinder 4131 may be fabricated out of a flexiblematerial (e.g., rubber), such that the container 4011 can move from acontracted configuration (see FIG. 9A) to an expanded configuration (seeFIG. 9B) and vice versa. Side plates 4133, 4135 are attached to thefluid cylinder 4131 at opposing ends thereof. The side plate 4133 isfixedly attached to the end 4125, while the side plate 4135 is fixedlyattached to a slide bracket 4137 which is movably mounted to thecylinder frame 4123 so as to allow the contraction and expansion of thefluid cylinder 4131. Slide bracket hooks 4139 are fixedly mounted to theslide bracket 4137, while shape memory springs 4113 are attached to theslide bracket hooks 4139 and the cylinder frame hooks 4129. Unlike theshape memory springs 3113 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the shape memorysprings 4113 are adapted to expand when thermal energy is absorbedthereby (e.g., when they are positioned in a hot zone), and to contractwhen thermal energy is removed therefrom (e.g., when they are positionedin a cool zone). FIG. 9A depicts the fluid cylinder 4131 in its “up”position corresponding to being compressed and low weight, while FIG. 9Bdepicts the fluid cylinder 4131 in its “down” position corresponding tobeing expanded and heavy weight. Since the shape memory springs 4113 arecompletely positioned outside of the container 4011, they can readilyreact to the change in temperature in its surrounding environment.

Referring to FIG. 10, an engine 5010 constructed in accordance with asixth exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The engine5010 has a construction and operation that are basically identical tothose of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8B, unless otherwise indicated.The engine 5010 has containers 5011, 5013, 5077, 5079 coupled to a fluidhose 5035 and attached to chains 5055, 5057, which are adapted to engagesprockets 5020, 5022 mounted on shafts 5018, 5020.

The engine 5010 also has a housing 5012 containing a body of air 5032with a top cool zone 5043, a middle zone 5051 and a bottom hot zone5045. Grills 5141 or other suitable opening configurations are providedon upper sides of the housing 5012 to allow airflow therethrough. A fan5143 is positioned within the housing 5012 near the grills 5141 tofacilitate the movement of air through the top cool zone 5043.

Renewable energy sources are used to provide cold thermal energy to thetop cool zone 5043 of the engine 5010. For instance, cool air from theexternal environment passes through the grills 5141 to maintain a lowtemperature condition in the top cool zone 5043. A solar panel 5145 isprovided above the housing 5012 for absorbing solar energy which can bestored in a solar storage tank 5059 and/or be used to provide additionalthermal energy to the bottom hot zone 5045 as needed. A heat pump 5061is also provided to withdraw unneeded thermal energy from the middlezone 5051. The heat pump 5061 may also be configured to gather externalthermal energy of any kind (e.g., solar, geothermal, ocean-thermal,etc.). Any excess hot or cold thermal energy drawn by the heat pump 5061may be stored in hot and cold storage tanks 5063, 5065, respectively,and can be used to provide thermal energy to the bottom hot or top coolzones, 5045, 5043, respectively, as needed. L-shaped partitions 5069 arepositioned between the middle zone 5051 and the bottom hot zone 5045 topartially block the intermixing of air. A curtain fan 5071 is alsopositioned on one of the L-shaped partitions 5069 to form an insulatingair curtain between the middle zone 5051 and the bottom hot zone 5045.

The bottom hot zone 5045 is disposed underground to provide insulationand protection from the external environment. A hot thermal energysource provides hot thermal energy to the bottom hot zone 5045, said hotthermal energy source including geothermal energy, solar energy, hotfluid, or any other suitable renewable energy input. Due to the hot andcold thermal energy sources, a temperature gradient is formed in thehousing 5012 where the bottom hot zone 5045 has a higher temperaturethan the top cool zone 5043.

The engine 5010 operates in a manner similar to that of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 6-8B, except that the locations of the hot zone5045 and the cool zone 5043 are reversed. That is, unlike the hot andcool zones 3045, 3043 shown in FIG. 6, the hot and cold zones 5045, 5043of FIG. 10 are located at a lower end and an upper end, respectively, ofthe housing 5012. Accordingly, shape memory springs used in the engine5010 are adapted to contract in the bottom hot zone 5045 and expand inthe top cool zone 5043. The engine 5010 may also operate with or withoutany valves controlling flow of working fluid to and from the containers5011, 5013, 5077, 5079.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an engine 6010 constructed inaccordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The engine 6010 has a construction and operation that are basicallyidentical to those of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10, unlessotherwise indicated below. The engine 6010 has a plurality of containers6011, 6013, 6077, 6079, which are shown in their schematic side views inFIG. 11 for illustration purposes. Each of the containers 6011, 6013,6077, 6079 has an expandable cylinder 6131 and a plurality of shapememory springs 6113 to actuate a corresponding one of the cylinders6131. The engine 6010 utilizes magnetic force to actuate the shapememory springs 6113 and hence the cylinders 6131 and does not,therefore, require (but may include) hot and cold zones similar to thoseincluded in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8A. More particularly, the engine6010 includes a lower electric supply 6147 for creating a lower magneticfield 6149 adjacent a lower portion of the engine 6010 and an upperelectric supply 6151 for creating an upper magnetic field 6153, whichhas a magnetic characteristic (e.g., a stronger or weaker magneticfield) different from that of the lower magnetic field 6149. Theelectric supplies 6147, 6151 can be any type of device that is capableof creating the magnetic fields 6149, 6153, including a wirelesselectric supply or similar devices known in the art. The magnetic field6149 is adapted to cause the shape memory springs 6113 of a containerpassing therethrough to contract, while the magnetic field 6153 isadapted to cause such shape memory springs to expand. The magneticfields 6149, 6153 can also actuate any valves utilized in the containers6011, 6013, 6077, 6079 (similar to the valve 3091 shown in FIG. 8A) toallow a working fluid to flow in or out of same.

In one embodiment, the electric supply 6151 in the engine 6010 may beeliminated. In another embodiment, other mechanisms could be used toactuate the cylinders 6011, 6013, 6077, 6079 between their expanded andcontracted states.

The present invention provides a number of benefits and advantages. Forinstance, the conversion of renewable thermal energy to kinetic energyis performed in an environmentally friendly and cost effective manner.The production of kinetic energy is provided in a mechanically simplemanner (e.g., the force F produces motion in the chains 3055, 3057 or5055, 5057 which impart rotational kinetic energy to the sprockets 3022,3024 or 5022, 5024, respectively, and hence the shafts 3018, 3020 or5018, 5020, respectively). In the event that solar, geothermal orelectrical energy is not sufficient to operate the engine of the presentinvention, other thermal energy sources may be employed such as citywaste heat, hot waste fluid, fuel cells, and any other suitable thermalenergy source known in the art.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merelyexemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variationsand modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. All such variations and modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. Energy conversion apparatus comprising: a housing having anupper end, which is located at a first elevation, and an lower end,which is located at a second elevation lower than said first elevation,said housing having a first zone located adjacent said upper end and asecond zone located adjacent said lower end; a movable loop extendingbetween said lower and upper ends and passing through said first andsecond zones; and a plurality of cylinders attached to said loop, eachof said cylinders being movable through said first zone and said secondzone conjointly with said loop, each of said cylinders being sized andshaped so as to receive a varying amount of working fluid and to assumeexpanded and contracted configurations when a corresponding one of saidcylinders passes through said first zone and said second zones,respectively, each of said cylinders receiving said working fluidtherein so as to have a first weight when it assumes its said expandedposition and discharging said working fluid therefrom so as to have asecond weight when it assumes its said contracted position, said firstweight of each of said cylinders being greater than said second weight,said cylinders being arranged on said loop such that at least one ofsaid cylinders is positioned on one side of said loop in its saidexpanded configuration after passing through said first zone and suchthat at least another one of said cylinders is positioned on an oppositeside of said loop in its said contracted configuration after passingthrough said second zone, said at least one of said cylinders on saidone side of said loop having a weight that is greater than the weight ofsaid at least another one of said cylinders on said opposite side ofsaid loop such that gravity causes said at least one of said cylindersto move downwardly toward said lower end of said housing and said atleast another one of said cylinders to move upwardly toward said upperend of said housing so as to impart motion to said loop.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said working fluid includes liquid, andwherein said liquid includes an anti-freeze material to inhibit saidliquid from freezing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ahose connected to all of said cylinders such that said cylinders are influid communication with each other through said hose, said workingfluid flowing from one of said cylinders to another of said cylinders assaid cylinders move through said first and second zones, and whereinsaid hose and said cylinders form a closed fluid system containing saidworking fluid, each of said cylinders receiving said working fluid fromat least another of said cylinders through said hose when said each ofsaid cylinders moves through said first zone, each of said cylindersdischarging said working fluid through said hose to at least another ofsaid cylinders when said each of said cylinders moves through saidsecond zone.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said hose includes aplurality of valves, each of said valves being connected to acorresponding one of said cylinders such that as said corresponding oneof said cylinders enters said first zone, said each of said valves isopened to allow flow of said working fluid into said corresponding oneof said cylinders, such that as said corresponding one of said cylindersleaves said first zone, said each of said valves is closed to inhibitdischarging of said working fluid from said corresponding one of saidcylinders, such that as said corresponding one of said cylinders enterssaid second zone, said each of said valves is opened to allowdischarging of said working fluid from said corresponding one of saidcylinders, and such that as said corresponding one of said cylindersleaves said second zone, said each of said valves is closed to inhibitflow of said working fluid into said corresponding one of saidcylinders.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said cylindersincludes an actuating member attached thereto for causing acorresponding one of said cylinders to assume said expandedconfiguration when said corresponding one of said cylinders passesthrough said first zone and to assume said contracted configuration whensaid corresponding one of said cylinders passes through said secondzone.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said actuating member of eachof said cylinders includes a shape memory spring coupled to acorresponding one of said cylinders, said shape memory spring of each ofsaid cylinders being configured to assume a contracted shape when acorresponding one of said cylinders passes through one of said first andsecond zones and an expanded shape when a corresponding one of saidcylinders passes through the other of said first and second zones. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said shape memory spring of each ofsaid cylinders is configured to assume its said contracted shape when acorresponding one of said cylinders passes through said first zone andto assume its said expanded shape when a corresponding one of saidcylinders passes through said second zone, and wherein said shape memoryspring of each of said cylinders assumes its said contracted shape so asto create a suction force in a corresponding one of said cylinders fordrawing said working fluid thereinto and assumes its said expanded shapeso as to permit discharge of said working fluid from a corresponding oneof said cylinders.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said shapememory spring of each of said cylinders is configured to assume its saidexpanded shape when a corresponding one of said cylinders passes throughsaid first zone and to assume its said contracted shape when acorresponding one of said cylinders passes through said second zone, andwherein said shape memory spring of each of said cylinders assumes itssaid contracted shape so as to discharge said working fluid therefromand assumes its said expanded shape so as to permit flow of said workingfluid thereinto.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of saidcylinders includes a piston movable between an extended position, inwhich it is extended from a corresponding one of said cylinders, and asecond position, in which it is retracted into a corresponding one ofsaid cylinders, each of said cylinders assuming its said expandedconfiguration when said piston is in said extended position and assumingits said contracted configuration when said piston is in said retractedposition, said shape memory spring of each of said cylinders beingcoupled to said piston of a corresponding one of said cylinders so as tomove said piston between said extended and retracted positions.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein each of said cylinders includes abellow-type container, a movable bracket, which is connected to one endof said bellow-type container, and a plate, which is connected to anopposite end of said bellow-type container, said shape memory springbeing attached to said movable bracket and said plate for causing acorresponding one of said cylinders to assume one of said expanded andcontracted configurations.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidhousing includes a body of air defining said first and second zones,said air in said first zone having a first temperature and said air insaid second zone having a second temperature different from said firsttemperature so as to cause each of said cylinders to assume one of itsexpanded and contracted configurations as said each of said cylinderspasses through said first and second zones, respectively, and whereinsaid first temperature of said first zone is greater than said secondtemperature of said second zone due, at least in part, to convection ofsaid air inside said housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinsaid upper end of said housing is constructed such that said air in saidfirst zone is heated by solar energy so as to provide thermal energy tosaid first zone, and wherein said upper end of said housing includes aglass panel so as to transmit solar energy to said first zone and toprovide thermal insulation to said air in said first zone.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising a cold thermal energy sourceconnected to said housing adjacent said second zone for keeping a lowtemperature condition in said second zone, wherein said cold thermalsource includes one of a cold water input and a geothermal energy input.14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said housing includes at leastone partition located between said first and second zones so as toinhibit mixing of said air in said first zone with said air in saidsecond zone.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said housingincludes an air curtain located between said first and second zones soas to cooperate with said at least one partition for inhibiting mixingof said air in said first zone with said air in said second zone. 16.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said second temperature of saidsecond zone is greater than said first temperature of said first zone,said housing including cooling means for providing a low temperaturecondition in said first zone and heating means for providing a hightemperature condition in said second zone, and wherein said coolingmeans includes a plurality of grills provided in said upper end of saidhousing for allowing outside cool air to pass through said first zone;and wherein said heating means includes one of a geothermal energyinput, a solar energy input, a hot fluid input and a renewable energyinput.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heat pumpconnected to said housing for storing excess thermal energy in at leastone storage tank, wherein said at least one storage tank includes afirst tank for storing high thermal energy and a second tank for storinglow thermal energy, said high thermal energy stored in said first tankand said low thermal energy stored in said second storage beingselectively supplied to said first and second zones, respectively. 18.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said loop includes first and secondmovable loops, each of said cylinders being affixed to said first loopat one end thereof and to said second loop at an opposite end thereof,and wherein said apparatus further comprises a pair of upper sprockets,one of which is coupled to said first loop and the other of which iscoupled to said second loop; and a pair of lower sprockets, one of whichis coupled to said first loop and the other of which is coupled to saidsecond loop, said pair of upper sprockets and said pair of lowersprockets permitting rotational movement of said first and second loops.19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower end of said housing ispositioned underground to provide insulation to said lower end.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said cylinders is caused to assumesaid expanded and contracted orientations by magnetic fields applied tosaid first and second zones, respectively.